Philosophies of Adoption

Edited by Lisa Cassidy and Mianna Lotz, Philosophies of Adoption: Perspectives and Reflections explores the philosophical analysis of adoption by providing insight into the emerging and underexplored topics within the implications and realities of adoption. Through this analysis, three scholarly developments are central to the emerging philosophical discourse on adoption: a problematizing of the adoption triangle or 'triad'; a critique of the so-called 'bio-normative' family; and an attention to specific issues with transracial and First Nations adoption. The contributors expand on all three of these areas by addressing the following questions: how does being adopted shape self-knowledge and identity, what challenges arise at the intersection of race and adoption, what can be learned about epistemic justice, identity and belonging from transracial adoption, and what are the narratives told about adoption; to show how present conditions give new shape, meaning, and importance to the philosophy of adoption. Organized into three core themes, situating adoption, knowing adoption, and telling adoption, this book grapples with the adoption experience, current developments in adoption practice, and emerging directions and developments in philosophical scholarship. Showcasing a range of styles, Philosophies of Adoption provides first-hand accounts of adult-adoptees through diverse standpoints, voices, perspectives, and relationships to adoption.